Daily Archives: April 22, 2009

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In many cases, crafting, sewing and other such endeavours are ecological by nature. I find myself saving bits of everything for use in future (maybe very far future…I confess) projects, saving the buttons and fabric from shirts which are more fit for the rag bag than the garment bag…you get the idea. Here’s a little extra Wipster goodness for Earth Day – a few project links to inspire making and creating with sustainability in mind! Enjoy…

Would you like to try to print on fabric, and not even have to use a drop of ink? Well, Painted Fish Studio shows you how to make the most lovely Fern Prints using, well, ferns and a hammer. Talk about non-toxic!

Using hankies may seem a little outdated, but I think it’s a great way to cut down on buying disposable tissues, and really I think there’s something romantic about having a hankie. Maybe I just like saying hankie? Anyway, Grosgrain has a great monogrammed handkerchief tutorial that I’ve been meaning to get to…I think these would make a great gift!

Have you come across any specifically Earth-friendly tutes or crafty ideas? Leave me a comment or send me an email – I’d love to give them a shout out!

Hello Wipsters! Are you feeling artistic? Well, today is your lucky day because the lovely, the talented, the vegan and the pregnant (ok, that has nothing to do with anything, but it’s still exciting!) Maria Rose of Little Things Are Big has got my second painting lesson up (my of course being the operative word here people…ha!).

This sweet woman has battled morning sickness, and packing for a huge move to get this lesson up for me, and can you believe I haven’t had a chance to get my brushes dirty? I do have my materials ready though!

For me, drawing the sketch was difficult. I have no drawing experience, but I really want to make the time to learn. Maria Rose explains in the first lesson that it really needs to be a sketch – not a drawing – just something that’s representing the painting. It took me a few tries before I allowed myself to believe her, and once I let go of the approximativeness of what I was drawing, it just made sense :

Super-cute Monsieur Fish found me this easel on Ebay for a song (well, a 25 euro song). I feel so cool having it in my bedroom…here, look

I just thought that was sweet. So I wanted to give him some props here. Ok, moving on.

I’m hoping to carve out some time to paint soon – but if you’ve got the time you can to crazy right now. Lesson Number 1 is HERE and Lesson Number 2 is HERE. You need to scroll down to press play, kids. Just telling you now.

Her lessons are cute, funny and have most excellent sound tracks, so even if you don’t think you’re ready to break out your acrylics, you should check them out – they are highly entertaining.

Have you seen this? I mean, good gravy Marie, let me get dressed up with my posse and sing fun songs that I write about my life – please. I first saw this last Wednesday over at Kittee’s blog, and I can’t stop watching it. I mean, this woman rules! This is the official W.I.P. Wednesday theme song people – now sing along!

Craft Talk
Please send a representative, I have just made the world’s largest gem sweater, in the world.
You’re sure looking crafty (crafty crafty)
You can make a raft out of pencils and foam
You’re sure looking happy (happy happy)
‘Cuz you make it snappy and not very crappy
Do you want to paste together
Something we can use forever
I’m thinking key chain
Scratch me with your hot designs
Dribble me in neon lines
Use that walkie-talkie and talk to me some crafts
Let’s go walking (walk walk)
Let’s get talking (talk talk)
Let’s craft talk (craft talk), craft talk (craft talk)
You can build me whatever you want
Now make it make it make it make it
Faster faster faster faster
Work through the pain, work it through the pain
Now make it make it make it make it
Faster faster faster faster
I cherish these moments, I can’t wait to see it
When you’re makin’ crafts your spicin’ up the world
Face it pretty girl, you’re craft-tastic!
You’re following no plans, you’re building it with hands
Let’s do a dance ‘cuz you’re craft-tastic!
Let’s get together and share supplies
Your craftsmanship deserves top prize
Glue it, cut it, stitch it, felt it,
Paint it, bead it, dough it, dye it,
Embroider it, solder it, hotter it
Let’s go walking (walk walk)
Let’s get talking (talk talk)
Let’s craft talk (craft talk), craft talk (craft talk)
You can build me whatever you want
Now make it make it make it make it
Faster faster faster faster
Work through the pain, work it through the pain
Now make it make it make it make it
Faster faster faster faster
I cherish these moments I cant wait to see it
Build it fast, built to last,
When in need place a bead
Rubber stamp my number, ‘cuz I want to get you tips
Look for sales in town
Take them home, move them around
Love it when it shines, want to make it mines
You make stuff that I desire
All I want to do is acquire
(you’re so crafty–craft-tastic!)
Craft talking craft talking craft talking craft talking
Craft talking craft talking craft talking craft talking
Let’s go walking (walk walk)
Let’s get talking (talk talk)
Let’s craft talk (craft talk), craft talk (craft talk)
You can build me whatever you want
Now make it make it make it make it
Faster faster faster faster
Work through the pain, work through the pain
Now make it make it make it make it
Faster faster faster faster
I cherish these moments, I know that I’ll love it

I’m now officially in love with Mother Gem, and if she ever wants to come to France on tour she can sleep on my couch – promise!